Squares-structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Reimagining sustainability: The power of AI and intellectual capital in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality organizations

This research investigates the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on organizational sustainability (OS) and delves into how this relationship is mediated by various dimensions of intellectual capital (IC), namely human (HC), structural (SC), and relational capital (RC). Data were collected from employees of Saudi travel agencies, resulting in 1122 valid responses, which were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that AI positively impacts OS as well as the three IC dimensions. Additionally, HC, SC, and RC have a positive influence on OS. The study also reveals that these dimensions partially mediate the relationship between AI and OS. This study advances the literature by clarifying how AI-enabled capabilities are translated into sustainable outcomes within the tourism and hospitality sectors. The findings offer valuable insights for industry professionals aiming to harness AI technologies for sustainable transformation. The study also offers strategic recommendations for tourism and hospitality organizations to invest in enhancing their IC, thereby optimizing the sustainability advantages of AI integration.

Unlocking the Power of Financial Experience: How Risk Perception Shapes Investment Decisions

Research Aims: This study aims to investigate the influence of financial experience on investment decisions, with risk perception acting as an intervening variable among stock investors in Banjarmasin. Design/methodology/approach: The research employs a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to analyze the data collected through a survey questionnaire distributed to 122 stock investors in Banjarmasin. This methodology allows for simultaneous analysis of direct and indirect relationships between variables, providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics influencing investment decisions. Research Findings: The findings indicate that financial experience significantly and positively affects investment decisions, suggesting that investors with more extensive financial experience are likely to make more informed and strategic choices. Furthermore, financial experience significantly impacts risk perception, which in turn influences investment decisions, underscoring the crucial role of risk perception as a mediator in this relationship. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the behavioral finance literature by elucidating the relationship between financial experience, risk perception, and investment decisions. It highlights the importance of financial literacy and education in enhancing investment decision-making processes, thereby promoting more rational and independent investment choices. Keywords: Financial experience, investment decisions, risk perception, behavioral finance, PLS-SEM

The mediating role of HRM outcomes in the relationship between employee development and company performance results: A study with a sustainable HRM perspective on Central European MNCs

AbstractThe main goal of the article is to determine the mediating role of human resources management (HRM) outcomes in the relationships between employee development (ED) and company performance results and to establish whether there are any identifiable regularities in this scope in the pre‐pandemic and pandemic period of COVID‐19, the latter being understood as a crisis period, in the headquarters (HQs) and foreign subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs). Additionally, the article aims to undertake an interpretation of the obtained research data from the perspective of sustainable HRM. The empirical research encompassed 200 MNCs with headquarters in Central Europe. The research encompassed 200 MNCs headquartered in Central Europe. For statistical analysis, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used. The results indicate that HRM outcomes serve as a positive intermediary and this mediation is stronger in crisis times. The findings enrich both theory and practice, providing a solid framework for incorporating sustainable HRM into organizational strategic management, including ED, especially in MNCs, to boost performance and resilience. An innovative aspect is the application of employee key performance indicators as the efficiency index to study variable effects.

Balancing Innovation and Profitability: Technological Diversification in Iran’s Insurance Industry

Abstract This study explores how technological diversification affects financial performance in Iran’s insurance industry. Using semi-structured interviews with six experts, including CEOs and faculty members, key indicators of technological diversification were identified, such as new underwriting software and digital advertising platforms. A 33-item questionnaire was developed based on these insights and distributed to top managers of Iranian insurance companies, with secondary financial data sourced from the Central Insurance of Iran. The study employes regression analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the impact of technological diversification on financial performance, controlling for firm size, debt ratio, and company age. Findings indicate a significant negative relationship between technological diversification and both Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA), suggesting that the costs of adopting new technologies may outweigh their short-term financial benefits. Additionally, high debt ratios were found to adversely affect ROA, highlighting the financial risks of excessive borrowing.

The Moderating Role of Supply Chain Agility on the Relationship Between Strategic Flexibility and Organizational Market Performance in Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is key to the survival of the human race, but equally becoming increasingly susceptible to global disruptions. In Nigeria, records have shown that the industry is plagued with several problems, inclusive of low employee productivity, poor market share, low innovation performance, poor and marginal sales growth and low profitability, which are likely a result of a lack of strategic flexibility in the face of increasing environment turbulence and intense competition. Despite efforts from researchers, the moderating role of supply chain agility has been largely overlooked in the literature. Therefore, this study examines the moderating role of supply chain agility on the relationship between strategic flexibility (resource flexibility, coordination flexibility, proactive flexibility, reactive flexibility and futurity) and organisational performance. A survey research design was used to collect data from 642 management and senior staff employees of six pharmaceutical companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. A total enumeration method was adopted for the study, with a well-structured adapted questionnaire, having Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.725 to 0.945. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was chosen to achieve the research goal. The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that strategic flexibility positively affects organizational performance (β = -0.093, p> 0.050, Q2 = 0.644). However, supply chain agility negatively moderates this effect, indicating that while agility is beneficial independently, it can counteract the positive impact of strategic flexibility when combined. The study recommended that the management of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria should pay serious attention to strategic flexibility as an organizational capability that can enhance performance in the face of increasing uncertainties in and unpredictability nature of the business environment.

Investigating the Influence of Time Pressure on Risky Riding Behaviour among P-Hailing Riders in Malaysia: The Mediating Role of Moral Disengagement

This study investigates the impact of time pressure on risky riding behaviour among p-hailing riders in Malaysia, with moral disengagement as a mediating factor. Drawing on Bandura's Moral Disengagement Theory and the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) Model, the research explores how time pressure influences these behaviours. A survey of 200 respondents, selected through stratified convenience sampling, was conducted across three Northern States in Malaysia, namely Perlis, Kedah, and Penang. Data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) reveals that time pressure significantly increases risky riding behaviour, with moral disengagement significantly mediates this relationship. The study finds that younger and less experienced riders are particularly susceptible to time pressure effects. Demographic data indicate that 80% of riders are under 35 years old, with 75% having less than three years of experience. Based on these findings, the research emphasises the need for targeted interventions, including specialised training programmes and improved workload management strategies, to mitigate risks associated with p-hailing. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of a cognitive mechanism factor in influencing risky riding behaviours among p-hailing riders and provides valuable insights for enhancing road safety measures. Future research directions are suggested, including exploration of additional cognitive mechanisms that may impact risky riding behaviours in this context.

Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sustainability: Insights from PLS-SEM on Resource Efficiency and Carbon Emission Reduction

This study investigates the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability, focusing on how AI-driven resource efficiency, energy consumption, environmental monitoring, and carbon emission reduction contribute to sustainability outcomes. The purpose of this research is to examine the dual nature of AI's impact on sustainability by testing both positive and negative effects using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Drawing from a sample of 233 firms in the energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, this study collects data through an online survey measured on a five-point Likert scale. Four hypotheses are tested, revealing that AI-driven resource efficiency and environmental monitoring positively affect sustainability, while AI energy consumption has a negative impact. Furthermore, AI integration in industrial processes helps reduce resource depletion. The findings suggest that governments should incentivize AI adoption aimed at resource efficiency and environmental monitoring through policies like tax breaks or subsidies, particularly for firms reducing their carbon footprint. To mitigate the negative effects of AI energy consumption, policymakers are urged to promote energy-efficient AI models and invest in renewable energy infrastructure. A balanced policy approach is crucial to optimize the environmental benefits of AI while minimizing its energy-related drawbacks.

Fostering Nurses’ Support in the Workplace: Addressing Job Burnout Among Malaysian Medical Doctors Working in Public Hospitals

Job burnout in employees is caused by individual factors, including demographic characteristics and nurses’ support. This study analyzed the relationship between nurses’ support and job burnout among medical doctors in Malaysian public hospitals. This research was a correlational study with a cross-sectional design. The research sample was 471 employees, using the non-probability sampling method with the purposive and quota sampling techniques. Data collection used the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI) and nurses’ support items. The data in this study were analyzed using the Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) software. Findings suggest that 77 medical doctors who participated in the study were from Hospital Pulau Pinang, from the Emergency Department, mostly female, ranging from 24-56 years old, single, and have an MBBS education level. The study assessed the measurement model’s loading, average variance extracted (AVE), and composite reliability (CR) where the loadings were above 0.60. AVEs were greater than 0.50 and CRs were greater than 0.708. Additionally, the bootstrap BCI LL (-0.079) and UL (-0.002) for nurses’ support and job burnout were not straddled a 0 in between. Job burnout had a negative association with nurses’ support. In particular, nurses’ support towards medical doctors lowers their risk of job burnout, which has a substantial impact on medical doctors’ overall well-being. The findings indicated that medical doctors who had complete support from their nurses performed their jobs more efficiently, displayed good task performance, and experienced less job burnout.

From Gaming Elements to Purchase Intentions: The Influence of Perceived Enjoyment and Promotion Focus in Online Travel Bookings

This study examines the impact of gamification on purchase intentions in Malaysia's online travel booking industry. As traditional platforms like Expedia face declining bookings due to economic challenges and the rise of competitors such as Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com, understanding the role of gamification in user engagement becomes crucial. The research employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic gaming elements, perceived enjoyment, and promotional focus on purchase intention. A total of 141 respondents participated in the survey and the key findings reveal that extrinsic gaming elements, including points and rewards, have a significantly stronger impact on perceived enjoyment than intrinsic elements like membership levels. This heightened enjoyment, in turn, positively influences purchase intention. Additionally, the study finds that promotional focus moderates the relationship between perceived enjoyment and purchase intention, further enhancing the effect. The Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) indicates that while intrinsic gaming elements perform below average, they are less critical than other factors. Managers should prioritize improving aspects of high importance, but currently have, low performance to boost purchase intentions effectively. Overall, the research provides actionable insights for enhancing competitiveness in Malaysia's digital travel marketplace, emphasizing the need for targeted gamification strategies to align with evolving consumer preferences. The findings offer a foundation for developing strategies that can help travel platforms maintain relevance and drive engagement in a competitive landscape.

The Effect of Work Stress and Work Environment on Job Performance in Manufacturing Industry: A PLS-SEM Approach

Employee performance is a critical determinant of growth and success within manufacturing organizations, making it essential to understand the factors influencing it. This study delves into the effects of work stress and the work environment on job performance, specifically within the electronics manufacturing sector in Penang, Malaysia. The research addresses how role ambiguity and conflict can act as stressors and also explores how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors related to the work environment affect job performance. The study sample comprised 116 participants from five electronics manufacturing firms located in Bayan Lepas, Penang. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results confirmed that the measurement model was robust, providing a solid foundation for validating the structural model. The PLS-SEM analysis demonstrated that the model had significant predictive capability, revealing that both work stress and the work environment exert substantial effects on job performance within the electronics manufacturing industry in Penang. Specifically, role stressors such as ambiguity and conflict were found to negatively impact job performance, while a supportive and motivating work environment positively influenced it. The study's results align with the theoretical frameworks of role stressors and self-determination, suggesting that effective management of stressors and the cultivation of a motivating work environment are essential for optimizing employee performance in the manufacturing sector.

Strategic Convergence: How Knowledge Sharing, Cross-Functional Collaboration, and Adaptive Leadership Drive Innovation Success

This study investigates the relationships among knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, adaptive leadership, and innovation success in organizational settings. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research analyzes data collected from employees across various industries. The findings reveal that knowledge sharing significantly influences innovation success both directly and indirectly through cross-functional collaboration, which also serves as a critical mediator between adaptive leadership and innovation outcomes. Furthermore, adaptive leadership is shown to enhance cross-functional collaboration, emphasizing the importance of leadership style in fostering a collaborative culture conducive to innovation. These results underscore the necessity for organizations to cultivate knowledge-sharing practices, promote cross-functional teamwork, and develop adaptive leadership capabilities to drive innovation success. The study contributes to the literature by elucidating the dynamic interplay among these constructs and providing practical implications for managers seeking to enhance their organization's innovative capacities.

The Nexus Between Data-Driven Decision-Making, Market Responsiveness, and Strategic Alliances in Boosting Business Growth of Start-Up Companies

This study explores the nexus between data-driven decision-making, market responsiveness, and strategic alliances in fostering business growth among start-up companies. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected through surveys distributed to start-up firms, resulting in a sample that highlights the relationships among key constructs. The analysis, conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), reveals that data-driven decision-making significantly influences business growth, with market responsiveness acting as a mediator and strategic alliances serving as a moderator in this relationship. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging data analytics to enhance responsiveness to market dynamics and establishing strategic partnerships to optimize growth outcomes. This research provides actionable insights for start-ups aiming to navigate competitive environments and drive sustainable growth.

The Influence of Perceived Country Origin of Green Products Towards Generation Z: Local vs. Global

Purpose: This study aims to understand better the perception of the country of origin of green products towards the Generation Z population between local and global brands. This study also serves as a reference for future studies or research on how the influence of perception can determine the weight of how the Generation Z population views and potentially buy an environmentally friendly product between local and global brands. Method: This study uses primary data collected through questionnaires and distributed to the population of Generation Z from the island of Batam, with 376 valid respondents. Indicators from Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyze how Local Brands and Global Brands can influence the perception of Green Products from the view of the Country of Origin from the Generation Z population. Result: The results of this study have practical implications, suggesting that the variables used in this study have a positive influence and are significant. For instance, Perceived Brand Globalness (PBG) and Perceived Brand Localness (PBL) have a positive and significant nature toward Brand Stereotype Warmth and Competence. Brand Stereotype Warmth and Competence also positively and significantly affect Perceived Value. Perceived Value also has a positive and significant nature towards Purchase Intentions. These findings are not only insightful but also relevant and applicable to the field of consumer behavior and green products.

Exploring the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict

In the modern workplace, the imbalance between work and family roles often leads to work-family conflict, negatively impacting employees' well-being. This study examines the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict among teaching professionals in private higher education institutions in India. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model was used to assess psychosocial workload and its impact on psychological distress and work-family conflict. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, gathering data from 391 respondents across 35 multidisciplinary deemed universities. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate a significant positive relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict, with psychological distress acting as a mediator. A high psychosocial workload was found to increase psychological distress, which, in turn, intensified work-family conflict. These findings highlight the importance of interventions such as flexible work arrangements, workload management, and supportive organizational cultures to mitigate these stressors. The study contributes to the fields of organizational psychology and employee well-being, offering practical insights for university administrators to promote work-life balance and reduce psychological distress.

Exploring the impact of corporate entrepreneurship on organizational performance in the ICT companies of Jordan: The moderating role of gender-diverse leadership

This study focuses on addressing challenges faced by Jordanian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) organizations, aiming to explore solutions for sector sustainability amid troubling economic conditions. Specifically, it investigates the impacts of Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) and Top Management Team Gender Diversity (TMTGD) on the performance of these organizations. Furthermore, it also examines the moderating role of TMTGD within this context. To achieve these objectives, the study collects data from 300 employees considered part of the top management teams within Jordan's ICT sector. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study estimated both measurement and structural models to thoroughly examine the data and proposed relationships. The findings indicate that CE and TMTGD have positive and statistically significant effects on organizational performance. However, the study also uncovers a nuanced pattern of interaction between these variables. Explicitly, it suggests that the presence of gender diversity within top management teams may attenuate the otherwise positive impact of CE on organizational performance. Hence, this research suggests that ICT companies should actively cultivate a corporate entrepreneurship culture to elevate their organizational performance. Furthermore, policymakers and leaders are encouraged to initiate training and educational programs addressing gender dynamics and biases with the goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

The Structural Model of Influential Interplay among Cultural Practices, Social Support, Economic Factors, and the Suku Anak Dalam Community’ Perceptions of Religious Education

The Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) community in Sumatra, Indonesia, faced unique educational challenges influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. This study aimed to explore and confirm the influential relationships among cultural practices, social support, economic factors, and SAD’s perceptions of religious education. A total of 356 literate SAD from some regions in Sumatra were sampled. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected through a structured questionnaire translated into the local language. The results revealed that cultural practices positively impacted SAD’s perceptions of religious education (H1, t=7.550, p=0.000) and significantly enhanced social support (H4, t=3.870, p=0.000). Social support positively influenced perceptions of religious education (H2, t=4.880, p=0.000), while economic factors had a strong positive effect on both perceptions of religious education (H3, t=9.119, p=0.000) and social support (H5, t=31.108, p=0.000). These findings highlight the necessity of integrating cultural, social, and economic aspects in educational policies for the SAD community. The study's novelty lies in its structural model, offering deep insights into religious education perceptions. Future research should explore similar dynamics in other indigenous communities using longitudinal and qualitative methods.

Motivation For Implementing Halal Standards In Umkm Food And Beverage DKI Jakarta

The MSME industrial sector is a vital economic driver and the primary pillar of Indonesia's economic structure. In 2019, Indonesia's GDP totaled IDR 15.83 trillion, with MSMEs accounting for IDR 9.48 trillion. Halal certification for MSMEs has become a strategic priority for the government as it seeks to strengthen the MSME industry and increase global competitiveness. Despite the fact that this halal certification is being regarded as a critical instrument for MSMEs' comeback, the bulk of them still lack it. As a result, this study focuses on the variables that encourage MSMEs (reputation enhancement, religiosity, process improvement, product quality improvement, and market share) to accelerate the adoption of halal standards among halal food and beverage producers in DKI Jakarta. To do this, the researchers used a quantitative research methodology. Primary data were acquired by surveys and processed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that all five criteria have a considerable beneficial impact on driving MSMEs to apply halal standards, with market share being the most effective factor. Finally, internal motivation is crucial to the adoption of halal standards among halal food and beverage MSMEs in DKI Jakarta.

The impact of industry 5.0 on supply chain performance

The transformative potential of Industry 5.0 (I5.0) to enhance supply chain performance (SCP) has become a compelling focus for numerous supply chain (SC) managers. This research explores the profound impact of I5.0 on SCP, highlighting three key dimensions: Efficiency, Visibility, and Responsiveness. It illuminates the dynamic interplay among these dimensions, demonstrating that improved visibility leads to heightened responsiveness and efficiency. While the enabling technologies of I5.0 hold significant potential for diverse applications, this study zeroes in on seven I5.0 technologies identified as highly impactful within the SC context. A closed-ended questionnaire was employed to collect 105 valid responses from managers, experts, and practitioners who are well-versed in I5.0 within the SC domain. Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The findings reveal both positive direct and indirect relationships between I5.0 and SCP, emphasizing how I5.0 reshapes performance dynamics and can expedite the adoption of I5.0.

Model Sustainability Competitive Advantage for Manufacturing SMEs: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

This study aims to analyze the influence of strategic drivers on cleaner production and increasing the sustainable competitiveness of manufacturing Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. The manufacturing SMEs studied were the Batik cloth and clothing industry. The number of samples in this research was 365 Batik SME entrepreneurs in Indonesia, taken using a purposive sampling method. The analysis data used is Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This study found that strategic drivers, namely entrepreneurial orientation and management knowledge orientation, directly affect cleaner production and indirectly affect the sustainable competitive advantage of Batik SMEs in Indonesia. Cleaner production, innovation capabilities, and business networks directly influence the sustainable competitive advantage of Batik SMEs in Indonesia. This research contributes to developing a model of sustainable competitive advantage in SMEs using a strategic driver and environmental sustainability approach. This article aims to study the factors influencing sustainable competitive advantage in manufacturing industries in developing countries.

Wearable neurofeedback acceptance model for students’ stress and anxiety management in academic settings

This study investigates the technology acceptance of a proposed multimodal wearable sensing framework, named mSense, within the context of non-invasive real-time neurofeedback for student stress and anxiety management. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified mental health challenges, particularly for students. Non-invasive techniques, such as wearable biofeedback and neurofeedback devices, are suggested as potential solutions. To explore the acceptance and intention to use such innovative devices, this research applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), based on the co-creation approach. An online survey was conducted with 106 participants, including higher education students, health researchers, medical professionals, and software developers. The TAM key constructs (usage attitude, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use) were validated through statistical analysis, including Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling. Additionally, qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses was performed. Results confirm the acceptance of the mSense framework for neurofeedback-based stress and anxiety management. The study contributes valuable insights into factors influencing user intention to use multimodal wearable devices in educational settings. The findings have theoretical implications for technology acceptance and practical implications for extending the usage of innovative sensors in clinical and educational environments, thereby supporting both physical and mental health.